Patent Grant
7802340
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cleaning devices in general. More particularly, it relates to devices of this type having a replaceable-cleaning-implement, preferably an extendable handle, and an adjustable support head having multiple heads for mounting cleaning implements relative to the handle at various angles.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
It is well known to clean dust and dirt from floors, furniture, or other room surfaces by rubbing a dust rag against the surface, such that the dust and dirt adhere to the cloth. Sometimes, this cleaning is facilitated by wetting the rag with water, a polish, or other liquid. Such cloths or strips have on occasion also been mounted on a head of a cleaning implement, which in turn is affixed to an elongated handle, to thereby create a floor dust mop. Alternatively, the handle has been formed somewhat shorter so that the resulting structure functions as a hand duster (e.g. one used to clean dust from Venetian blinds and other structures that are closer to the person cleaning them).
There have also been efforts to make dusting heads that are used with such handles of a material that retains dust even without being wetted with a polish or other liquid, where the head is nevertheless still so inexpensive that it can be used for a short period of time until soiled and then disposed of. This is in some applications an improvement over having materials having such great structural integrity (and therefore often cost) that they are used for prolonged purposes or washed between uses.
In other developments, to render a single dusting device more suitable for both floor/ceiling dusting and close-in furniture dusting, some such dusting devices have been designed with a telescoping handle which can be shortened when furniture dusting is desired, and can be elongated when floor or ceiling dusting is desired.
Recently, there has also been an attempt to provide adjustability between the angle of the duster head relative to the angle of the handle axis. However, this prior design used a strong locking device as part of the angle adjuster, such that adjustment of the handle angle typically required two hands to achieve, with the consumer's hand needing to come near to the portion of the device where the soiled dusting heads were positioned when an adjustment was to be made.
A need still exists for improved adjustable holder for cleaning implements. There is a particular need for an easy to use all-in-one duster with a telescoping handle that can be extended to clean floors and collapsed to clean furniture and appliances. While improvements have been made in the adjustability of the angle of the duster head relative to the handle, these improvements have been directed to a cleaning device with a single dusting head. There remains a need for a cleaning system that includes dual dusting heads that can be operated independent of one another to accommodate alternative dusting or cleaning tasks.
Consistent with the foregoing, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a cleaning tool, a holding device, and a method of cleaning are disclosed in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention.
In a first embodiment, a cleaning tool includes a telescopic support having at least two separate shafts, of which a hollow first shaft is configured to slidably receive a second ribbed shaft within the first shaft. A pivot member receiving cavity is attached to the second shaft and configured to receive a primary support and a secondary support. The primary support and the secondary support are configured to receive at least one cleaning pad.
In another embodiment, the first shaft may include a slotted wall at a forward end to receive the second ribbed shaft. For example, the second shaft may be an I-beam. The secondary support may be releasably locked to the pivot member receiving cavity and the primary support may be releasable locked to the secondary support. For example, the secondary support may include at least one engagement tab configured to releasably engage grooves on a cog located on the primary support and the secondary support may be releasably locked to the pivot member receiving cavity by an engagement tab configured to engage notches on the secondary support.
In still another embodiment, the at least two separate shafts are releasably locked together by at least one spring loaded engaging projection extending from the second shaft into a slot on the first shaft. The at least two separate shafts may comprise a grip, a first extension piece, a second extension piece and a shank slidably received within one another. The grip may define a hollow space configured to receive the first extension piece, the first extension piece may define a hollow space configured to receive the second extension piece and the second extension piece may define a hollow space configured to receive the shank. The grip, first extension piece, second extension piece and shank preferably freely slide into a locked, fully extended position. The grip, first extension piece, second extension piece and shank may also be collapsed from the locked, fully extended position by the depression of a single engaging projection. At least one alignment tab may extend along an outside surface of first extension piece and be received in a slot in the grip. At least one alignment tab may extend along an outside surface of second extension piece and be configured to be received in a slot in the first extension piece.
In an alternative embodiment, a holding device includes a telescopic support that includes a plurality of slidable shafts and a forward mount attached to one of the plurality of shafts. The forward mount is configured to receive a primary support and a secondary support and the primary and secondary supports are configured to retain at least one cleaning pad. The primary and secondary supports may be releasably locked together in a variety of orientations and the secondary support may be releasably locked to the forward mount. In one embodiment, the primary support can be rotated at least 225 degrees in relation to the telescopic support. The primary support may be locked into a 45 degree, 90 degree, 135 degree, 180 degree, 225 degree and 270 degree position in relation to the telescopic support. The secondary support can be rotated at least 180 degrees in relation to the telescopic support.
In another embodiment, an engagement tab is attached to the forward mount and configured to releasably engage notches in the secondary support. In still another embodiment, the forward mount is attached to a ribbed shaped shaft such as an I-beam and at least one of the plurality of shafts includes flanges configured to slidably receive the I-beam.
In a final embodiment, a method of cleaning using a holding device that includes a plurality of telescoping shafts having a forward mount attached to one of the plurality of shafts, the forward mount supporting a primary and secondary cleaning pad support includes rotating a primary support from a first locked position locked to the secondary support to a desired cleaning position, placing a cleaning pad on the primary cleaning pad support and moving the cleaning pad across a surface to be cleaned. The method may further include the steps of moving the primary support to a position 180 degrees from the secondary support, releasing a secondary support from a locked position, and placing a cleaning pad on the secondary support.
Because the support heads can be positioned/temporarily fixed at varying angles with respect to each other, they provide the opportunity for increased cleaning effectiveness. For example, the top of a dresser can be dusted at the same time that a side of the dresser is being dusted when such a device is provided.
Embodiments of the present invention therefore achieve many of the desired functionalities found in existing dusters (e.g. capability of replacing the cleaning head after a single use; a single product which can dust mop a floor or furniture; a dust mop capable of angular adjustment relative to the main handle; relatively low production and assembly costs). However, they also achieve other desirable functionalities in various embodiments.
These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:
In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
In a basic form, the invention is a cleaning and/or dusting tool that includes a telescoping support comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections that support a forward mount. The shafts may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position and released via depression of a single engaging projection. A primary support head and secondary support head are pivotally mounted to the forward mount on a single gear and releasably locked together. The cleaning tool allows for a large degree of extension for the dusting of ceilings and floors, while at the same time providing for a device that can be easily collapsed for the dusting of easier to reach surfaces. The dusting device further provides for cleaning support heads capable of supporting multiple cleaning pads, thereby increasing the surface area of the cleaning surface and the ease of cleaning or dusting large surfaces such as floors and ceilings.
As best seen in
In this preferred form, various radially extending bumps or protrusions 19 are formed on some of these parts which fit into corresponding catch holes 17 on adjacent parts. While not shown in detail, these bumps 19 are preferred to be positioned on flexible tabs which can deflect radially inwardly as the tubular parts are assembled to one another, and then flex radially outwardly into the holes 17 to temporarily fix the tubular parts in the
One can then press the bump 19 of extension part 13 radially inward to permit extension part 13 to telescope into a hollow of handle grip 12. Similarly, the bump 19 on the rear end of extension part 14 can be pressed radially inward to permit extension part 14 to telescope into a hollow of tubular extension part 13. Another possibility is for bump 19 at the forward end of extension part 14 to be pressed radially inward to permit extension part 14 to alternatively telescope into a hollow of shank 15.
This creates a handle out of parts 12, 13, 14 and 15 which can be at its greatest length as shown in
As best seen in
As best seen in
The wheel 25 preferably has outer integral axles 26 on its opposed lateral sides. The ears 42 of the shank 15 can flex outward from each other when the wheel 25 is pushed there between. The ears have corresponding holes 27 into which the axles 26 then snap, thereby creating a pivot joint. This permits about 270 degrees of rotational movement of the support 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12/13/14/15.
As best seen in
As torque is applied to the support head 16, it starts to rotate on the axis formed by axles 26. The radially outward sections 28 on the wheel 25 abut against the projection 31, causing it to deflect rearward, removing the interference of the projection, and permitting rotation to the next pocket 29. The pockets 29 and projection 31, as well as the tension on the biasing means/resilient arm/root 32, are such that if a consumer holds the handle grip 12 and pushes the support head 16 with an intention to adjust the support head angle relative to the handle longitudinal axis, the angle will be repositioned to another stable fixed position, without the need for the consumer to place a hand on or near the support head 16. Yet, the typical torque experienced during dusting or drying a surface will not be sufficient to cause the angular adjustment.
In highly preferred forms, the catch 20 is molded from a flexible plastic such as acetyl or nylon, and the support head 16 is molded from a more rigid plastic such as ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The flexibility of the biased projection 31 is such that a torque of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) applied to the support head in a plane parallel to the handle 12/13/14/15 will not cause angular adjustment of the support head 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12/13/14/15, although additional torque will, without causing a destruction of a portion of the device.
Hence, when the device is held by the handle grip 12 as shown in
Thereafter, the angular position can be readjusted in a similar manner, depending on the object being cleaned. For example, the angle can be adjusted to that shown in
Once dusting of an area has been completed, one can remove the replaceable dusting sleeve 11 and replace it with another. In between uses, the device can be compactly stored as the support head 16 can be rotated to the
In this embodiment, the catch 20A (not shown) would have a wide enough projection 31 so that a single projection can interfere with rotation of both support heads 16A. Alternatively, there could be two such catches mounted in the end of the shank 15A. In any event, the resilient catch or catches interfit with the wheels of the support heads 16A to provide similar resistive force permitting dusting without adjustment, yet allowing torque over a certain threshold to permit adjustment.
While a system, e.g., resilient catch, with the recesses on the support head and the catch on the shank are the preferred controlling system, the recesses could instead be positioned on the shank with the catch on the support head. Alternatively, fluidic or other threshold damping systems could be applied to achieve the desired function.
Also, it is not necessary that the support head have a forked end, as distinguished from a single unitary mounting slab. Further, it is not necessary that the catch 20 be a single piece. Various other types of resilient catching means can be provided which drives a blocker into a temporary interference with the pockets 29 (e.g. a spring under a catch member). It is, however, desirable that the force needed to remove the blocking member from the recess be such as to restrict support head rotation during normal dusting, yet permit support head rotation when adjustment is truly intended.
As best seen in
Individual components constituting the holding device or cleaning tool 210 are all made of synthetic resin, such as ABS, vinyl chloride, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). In an alternative, at least a few of the components may be made of light metal such as aluminum or light alloy such as aluminum alloy.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the hollow cylindrical inner space 227 is dimensioned to slidably fit over the first extension piece 213, second extension piece 214, and shank 215 in a collapsed or retracted position. (See, e.g.,
As illustrated in
Slidably received within hollow cylindrical space 227 of the grip 212 is the first extension piece 213. First extension piece 213 is a hollow cylinder defining a cylindrical inner space 243 axially inside of it. The hollow cylindrical inner space 243 is dimensioned to enable the first extension piece 213 to slidably fit over the second extension piece 214, and shank 215. Extending longitudinally along the first extension piece is a slot 232 configured to receive the retaining member 231 of the grip 212 and maintain the grip 212 and first extension piece 213 in their aligned position. At the proximal end of the first extension piece 213 is a collar 245. A retaining member 247 (
Slidably received within hollow cylindrical space 243 of the first extension piece 213 is the second extension piece 214. Second extension piece 214 is a hollow cylinder defining a cylindrical inner space 261 axially inside of it. The hollow cylindrical space 261 is dimensioned to slidably fit over the shank 215. Extending longitudinally along the second extension piece 214 is a slot 249 configured to receive the retaining member 247 of the first extension piece 213 and maintain the second extension piece 214 and first extension piece 213 in their aligned position. At the proximal end of the second extension piece 214 is a collar 263. A retaining member 264 (
Slidably received within hollow cylindrical space 261 of the second extension piece 214 is the shank 215. Shank 215 is also a hollow cylinder defining a cylindrical inner space 267 axially inside of it. Extending longitudinally along the shank 215 is slot 266 configured to receive the retaining member 264 of the second extension piece 214 and maintain the shank 215 and second extension piece 214 in their aligned position. Attached to the proximal end of the shaft 215 a pivot support, head, or forward mount 240. A primary support head 216 and secondary support head 218 are pivotally mounted to the forward mount 240 as described below.
As it can be appreciated from the discussion above, the components of the telescoping support 209 allow the cleaning tool 210 to be extended from a maximum length of extension (about 1187 mm) from a fully collapsed orientation of about 390 mm. The telescoping support 209 may be collapsed via the actuation of a single actuator, namely the first retention spring or engaging protection 239. Extension of the telescoping support 209 does not require the actuation of any of the engaging projections as discussed below.
As illustrated in phantom in
The sequential extension of the telescoping support 209 from its collapsed position (e.g.
It should be apparent from the above disclosure that the telescoping support 209 could be extended in an alternative manner, namely by extending the first extension 213 and slidably stored second extension piece 214 and shank 215 from the grip and then extending the second extension piece 214 and slidably stored shank 215 from the first extension piece. Finally one could extend the shank 215 from the second extension piece 214 with the same results as described above. Each of the engaging projections 239, 259 and 260 will slide within the piece around it until it reaches and locks into its respective slot 265, 242, 235.
Due to the unique configuration of the telescoping support 209, the telescoping support 209 can be collapsed from its fully extended position illustrated in
Primary support head 216 and secondary support head 218 each include a support head 300 supported by a linking section 224 which connects to a hub 301a, 301b, including circular gear receiving recess 275a, 275b. In the preferred embodiment, support head 300 of cleaning pad includes a pair of parallel attachment members, tines or attachment prongs 302a, 302b configured to engage the pockets or sleeves 304a, 304b of a cleaning pad 11 as is generally known in the art. Attachment members 302a, 302b may be spaced apart in a variety of configurations. Attachment members 302a, 302b define a rounded leading edge 306 configured for ease of insertion into the sleeves 304a, 304b of cleaning pad 11. It is recognized that although the preferred embodiment illustrates a pair of attachment members 302a, 302b multiple configurations may be utilized. For example, a single, wider attachment member could be utilized. Alternatively, three or more attachment members could be utilized.
Attachment members 302a, 302b include a plurality of spaced cleaning pad retaining tabs, barbs or projections 308 projecting from a first surface 310. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining tabs 308 are triangular-shaped. The unique triangular configuration of the retaining tabs 308 serves a dual function allows for ease of placement of the cleaning pad 11 on the attachment members 302a, 302b during assembly, while also retaining the cleaning pad 11 on the attachment members 302a, 302b during the cleaning motion.
In one embodiment, the attachment members 302a, 302b may be expandable, inflatable, partially inflatable, or include an inflatable portion. The inflatability provides for an improved fit of the cleaning pad 11 on the attachment members 302a, 302b as well as facilitating hands free removal of the cleaning pad 11 from the attachment members 302a, 302b.
Primary support head 216 and secondary support head 218 are selectively pivotably mounted on a single pivot 320, namely a spring biased gear 274. Gear 274 is a rod like member having a button 322 on one side configured to extend through the hub 301a of the primary support and the housing 271 such that it can be depressed by a user to allow for movement of the primary support head 216. Opposite the button 322 on the gear 274 is a cog 324. Cog 324 includes a plurality of teeth 326 configured to engage mating slots 328 in the gear receiving recesses 275a, 275b in the primary 216 and secondary 218 support heads. As illustrated in
In addition to the gear 274, secondary support head 218 is also releasably engaged by a slider 336 slidably mounted to the exterior of the housing 271. Slider 336 includes an engagement tab 338 configured to engage a recess 340 in the hub 301b of secondary support head 218 thereby locking secondary support head 218 in a fixed storage position. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 336 locks the secondary support head 218 in a folded storage position parallel to the telescoping support 209 as illustrated in
Depression of the button 322 in the direction indicated by arrow 334 releases the primary support head 216 and allows it to pivot 225 degrees in relation to the telescoping support 209. As illustrated by
In the preferred embodiment, cog 324 has enough teeth 326 and gear receiving recess 275a of the primary support head 216 has enough slots to allow primary support head 216 to be locked into five alternative angular positions. A primary support head 216 storage position 342 is illustrated in
As apparent from the description and figures, the cleaning tool 210 may be used in both a short or collapsed configuration 203 illustrated in, e.g.,
Use of the cleaning tool 210 in the locked fully extended position 201 is ideally suited for cleaning larger surfaces such as floors and ceilings. In order to use the cleaning tool in the fully extended position 201, the telescopic support 209 is extended as previously described. The button 322 is then depressed allowing a user to set the primary support head 216. Preferably primary support head is set at a 180 degree position 348 in relation to the handle to allow the heads to be in the same plane. Next, a user moves the slider 336 back to release the engagement tab 338 from the recess 340 in the hub 301b of secondary support head 218 thereby releasing secondary support head 218 from a fixed storage position. A cleaning pad 11 can then be placed onto primary support head 216 and secondary support head. Once released from the slider 336, the angle between the primary support head 216 and secondary support head 218 is maintained, while the interlocked primary 216 and secondary 218 support head freely pivot on the gear 274. This freedom of motion is advantageous by allowing a user to freely slide the primary 216 and secondary 218 support heads across a surface to be cleaned from a variety of angles. Once the cleaning task is finished, the telescopic support 209 can be collapsed as previously described and the primary 216 and secondary 218 support heads can be returned to their storage position illustrated in
As illustrated in
Individual components constituting the holding device or cleaning tool 410 are all made of synthetic resin, such as ABS, vinyl chloride, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). In an alternative, at least a few of the components may be made of light metal such as aluminum or light alloy such as aluminum alloy.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the hollow inner space 427 is dimensioned to slidably fit over the first extension piece 413, second extension piece 414, and shank 415 in a collapsed or retracted position. (See e.g.
As best illustrated in
Slidably received within hollow space 427 of the grip 412 is the first extension piece 413. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Slidably received within hollow cylindrical space 443 of the first extension piece 413 is the second extension piece 414. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As best illustrated by
Slidably received within hollow cylindrical space 461 of the second extension piece 414 is the non-hollow shank or double I-beam 415. As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment shank or double I-beam 415 is preferably a solid piece. I-beam 415 includes a base rib 402, outer ribs 404a, 404b extending perpendicularly to the outer edge of base rib 402 and a central rib 406 intersecting base rib 402 midway between the outer ribs 404a, 404b to define the I-beam shape. As illustrated in
At the forward end 499 of the I-beam 415 is a pivot member receiving cavity 500. Pivot member receiving cavity 500 is defined between integral opposed ears 502a, 502b located at the forward end 499 of the I-beam 415. Ears 502a, 502b include pivot holes 504a, 504b configured to receive the axles 520a, 520b of the circular pivot members 522a, 522b of the primary 516 and secondary 518 support heads and allow pivotable motion therein.
Projecting upwardly from the pivot member receiving cavity 500 is a resiliently biased semi-flexible pivot engagement tab 508. Engagement tab 508 is comprised of a first end 510 attached to the base of the pivot member receiving cavity 500 and a second free end 512 configured to engage notches 532, 534 on the outer surface of the pivot member 520a of secondary support head 518. Preferably, notches 532, 534 are spaced about 180° apart. As a result, secondary support head 518 may be lockingly engaged to the pivot member receiving cavity 500 in either a storage position adjacent the telescoping support (
Primary support head 516 and secondary support head 518 are selectively pivotably mounted within the pivot member receiving cavity 500. Both the primary 516 and secondary 518 support heads are lockingly adjustable relative to the other with a ratcheting type mechanism that retains the support heads in a desired position during normal dusting routines. As discussed below, the heads are also free to swivel relative to the telescoping support 409 of the cleaning tool 410, while remaining fixed relative to each other. Only at the extremes of their rotation are the support heads constrained relative to the telescoping support 409.
Primary support head 516 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
As apparent from the description and figures, the cleaning tool 410 may be used in both a short or collapsed configuration illustrated in for e.g.
As it can be appreciated from the discussion above, the components of the telescoping support 409 are similar to those previously discussed and allow the cleaning tool 410 to be extended from a maximum length of extension about 48 inches from a fully collapsed orientation of about 16 inches. The telescoping support 409 may be collapsed via the actuation of a single actuator, namely the first retention spring or engaging protection 439. Extension of the telescoping support 409 does not require the actuation of any of the engaging projections as discussed below.
The sequential extension of the telescoping support is similar to that described with reference to the previous embodiment. As the shank 415 is fully extended or pulled from the second extension piece 414, the third retention spring or engaging projection 467 attached to and extending through the shank 415 slides into the rectangular slot 493 on the second extension piece 414 thereby locking the fully extended shank 415 to the second extension piece 414. As one continues to pull on the shank 415, the attached second extension piece 414 slides through the first extension piece 413 until the second engaging projection 459 slides into the slot 491 on the first extension piece 413 thereby connecting the first extension piece 413 to the fully extended second extension piece 414 and shank 415. In a similar manner, as one continues to pull on the shank 415, the locked second extension piece 414 causes the first extension piece 413 to slide through the grip 412 until the first engaging projection 437 slides into the slot 435 on the grip 412 thereby locking the telescoping support 409 in its fully extended state, illustrated in
It should be apparent from the above disclosure that the telescoping support 409 could be extended in an alternative manner, namely by extending the first extension 413 and slidably stored second extension piece 414 and shank 415 from the grip 412 and then extending the second extension piece 414 and slidably stored shank 415 from the first extension piece. Finally one could extend the shank 415 from the second extension piece 414 with the same results as described above. Each of the engaging projections will slide within the piece around it until it reaches and locks into its respective slot.
Due to the unique configuration of the telescoping support 409, the telescoping support 409 can be collapsed from its fully extended position illustrated in
Use of the cleaning tool 410 in the locked fully extended position 401 is ideally suited for cleaning larger surfaces such as floors and ceilings. In order to use the cleaning tool in the fully extended position 401, the telescopic support 409 is extended as previously described. A user then sets the primary support head 416. Preferably primary support head is set at a 180 degree position in relation to the handle to allow the heads 416, 418 to be in the same plane. Next, a user moves the secondary support head 418 to release secondary support head 418 from a fixed storage position. A cleaning pad can then be placed onto primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418. Once the secondary support head 418 is released from its locked position adjacent the shank 415, the angle between the primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 is maintained, while the interlocked primary 416 and secondary 418 support head freely pivot. This freedom of motion is advantageous by allowing a user to freely slide the primary 416 and secondary 418 support heads across a surface to be cleaned from a variety of angles. Once the cleaning task is finished, the telescopic support 409 can be collapsed as previously described and the primary 416 and secondary 418 support heads can be returned to their storage position illustrated in
A wide variety of cleaning pads 11 could be used the inventive cleaning systems 33, 233. Cleaning pad 11 is generally known in the art and comprised of a combination of fibers defining a cleaning surface 101 and attachment portion 103 (
When the cleaning system 33, 233 is used, the sleeve-like cleaning pad 11 is mounted over the attachment members 302a, 302b so that all of the retaining tabs 222 are within the sleeves 304a, 304b. The retaining tabs 222 are, in this configuration, thus capable of being fully enclosed by the cleaning pad 11, avoiding the possibility of the attachment members 302a, 302b scratching delicate furniture or other items being contacted.
The cleaning surface 101 of cleaning pad 11 may be comprised of a polymer that allows for the spontaneous transport of aqueous fluids. Such polymers are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,723,159, 5,972,505 and 5,200,248 the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference.
It should be recognized that the polymer fibers of the cleaning pad 11 can take a variety of forms to increase various performance characteristics of the cleaning systems 33, 233. Standard circular fibers may be used, as is generally known in the art. Alternatively, the individual fibers on the cleaning pad may be lobed in the form of loose “tow” fibers. The unique lobed configuration creates channels within the individual fibers enabling improved capillary action on each individual fiber and increasing the overall cleaning or dusting surface area thereby increasing the overall efficiency of both wet and dry dusting. The higher surface area results in an increase in the proportion of particles adhering in the grooves or channels and results in dust particles being “trapped” within the grooves of the lobed fiber. The lobed fibers generally exhibit improved dust retention, more efficient wet wiping and longer life than standard circular fibers. Furthermore, the lobed fibers can be made stiffer thereby generating a higher wiping pressure in a smaller contact area. It is understood that the inventive lobed fibers could be comprised of a multitude of polymers with PP, PE or PET being recognized as the most cost effective alternatives. Alternatively acrylic or biodegradable polymers could be utilized.
In another alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad 11 may include stiffer or strut fibers attached to mass of tow fibers. In this arrangement, the stiffer fibers (usually in the range of about 0.3 mm) carry the majority of the stress applied to the cleaning pad 11. The tow may be linked to the stronger fibers by entanglement at the outer ends of the fiber. The stiffer fibers result in a cleaning pad 11 that is springy resulting in a more desirable feel of applied force for users. The stiffer fibers can further be utilized to clean difficult areas such as crevices, blinds or screens. The stiffer fibers have the further advantage in that they keep the tow volume expanded, thereby increasing dust migration into the tow fibers.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad 11 could include absorbent materials in particulate form fixed onto the remaining fibers of the cleaning pad 11. The absorbent materials may take the form of known super absorbent polymers SAP. The SAPs may be, for example, acrylic based polymers applied as a coating or turned into fibers directly. Such commercially available SAPs generally include X-linked polyacrylic acids or X-linked starch-acrylic-acid-graft-polymers, the carboxyl groups of which are partially neutralized with sodium hydroxide or caustic potash. The SAPs may be made by such processes as a solvent or solution polymerization method or the inverse suspension or emulsion polymerization method. Such SAPs are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,391 the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
The absorbent materials increase the overall absorbency of the fibers, prevent the fibers from packing close together into a fiber mass, and enhance the friction of the fibers. The “string of pearls” arrangement also allows for strategically placed high absorbency regions on the cleaning pad. For example, if it is desirable to have the forward end of the cleaning pad 11 be more absorbent than the remainder of the cleaning pad 11, the forward end could include a higher percentage of the particulate absorbent materials.
The cleaning pad 11 could also include fibers that are formed into helices. Such fibers can be formed by drawing fiber bundles over a blade or heating coaxial bicomponent fibers. The resulting helical fibers exhibit a fluffier texture and more attractive appearance while at the same time increasing the volume (while using less fiber) and dust retention of the duster. The helical nature of the fibers is also advantageous in that they allow coarse fibers to feel softer due to the spring effect. Furthermore, the fibers gradual loss of the helical nature, can serve as an indication of the effective life of the cleaning pad.
It should be recognized that none of the aforementioned fiber materials or configurations are exclusive. The cleaning pad could include strategic combinations of the various fibers and other known fibers. In one example, the cleaning pad may be comprised of between 25-100% of the lobed fibers by weight.
Similarly, although the preferred embodiment discloses a single cleaning surface 101, the invention is in no way limited to such a single cleaning surface. To the contrary, numerous alternative configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the inventive pad could include multiple cleaning surfaces, with alternate or similar fiber configurations to accommodate various cleaning functions. In one embodiment, a cleaning pad 11 could be two sided with one side of the cloth for dusting and the alternate side of the cleaning pad 11 for cleaning. This could also be accomplished by turning the pad “inside out” to expose a new clean surface. Alternatively, a triangular or other multi-sided cleaning pad 11 could be utilized. Circular cleaning pads are also envisioned and within the scope of the present invention. In general, a variety of cleaning pad 11 shapes or configuration could be utilized to maximize the various properties of the cleaning pad 11 and selected fibers.
As noted above, the orientation and type of fibers utilized on the cleaning pad 11 could include a wide variety of alternatives. For example and in no way limiting, the cleaning pad 11 could include a generally fluffy pad including a flat center strip around the area defined by the pockets or sleeves 304a, 304b. Such an orientation may increase the surface area and exhibit a better efficacy. Additionally, the center strip could include an absorbent pillow or tube extending down the center of the cleaning pad 11. Such an absorbent pillow could provide an area of high absorbency on the cleaning pad 11. Various alternative combinations are envisioned including, for example, cleaning pads consisting of alternating sections of sponges, feather-like structures, micro-fibers or cellulose foam. Wood pulp is preferred.
The cleaning pad 11 could also include a fluffy cloth with a hydrophilic additive to improve the absorbency of water. Such hydrophilic additives include but are not limited to glycerin and glycols. The cleaning pad 11 could also be comprised entirely of an absorbent material such as rayon. The cleaning pad 11 could also have a fragrance added to improve the smell of the cleaning pad 11.
The cleaning pad 11 could also include a piezoelectric crystal to impart an electrostatic charge on the cleaning pad during use to increase dust retention. Such crystals are generally known and typically generate a charge when subjected to mechanical stress. Examples of materials that can be used include but are not limited to quartz analogue crystals like berlinite (AIPO4) and gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4), ceramics with perovskite or tungsten-bronze structures (BaTiO3, KNbO3, LiNbO3, LiTaO3, BiFeO3, NaxWO3, Ba2NaNb5O5, Pb2KNb5O15). Additionally some Polymer materials like rubber, wool, hair, wood fiber, and silk exhibit piezoelectricity to some extent and may be utilized. Additionally, the polymer polyvinylidene fluoride, (—CH2—CF2—), which exhibits piezoelectricity several times larger than quartz may be used.
The cleaning pad 11 may also include a portion of an unbonded web material, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,858,515, issued Jan. 12, 1999 to Stokes et al. and 5,962,112, issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Haynes et al. or other material such as described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,415, issued Jan. 19, 1988 to Vander Wielan et al. or any super absorbent material such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,995,133, issued February 1991 and 5,638,569 both issued to Newell, 5,960,508, issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Holt et al., and 6,003,191, issued Dec. 21, 1999 to Sherry et al., all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.
In one embodiment, the cleaning pad 11 may comprises a spunbond fiber nonwoven web having a basis weight of approximately 68 grams per square meter. The spunbond fibers may comprise bicomponent fibers having a side-by-side configuration where each component comprises about 50%, by volume, of the fiber. The spunbond fibers will comprise first and second polypropylene components and/or a first component comprising polypropylene and a second component comprising propylene-ethylene copolymer or a polyester. About 1% or more or less of titanium oxide or dioxide is added to the fiber(s) in order to improve fiber opacity. The spunbond fiber nonwoven webs are thermally bonded with a point unbonded pattern. The nonwoven web is bonded using both heat and compacting pressure by feeding the nonwoven web through a nip formed by a pair of counter-rotating bonding rolls; the bonding rolls comprise one flat roll and one engraved roll. The bonded region of the nonwoven web comprises a continuous pattern that corresponds to the pattern imparted to the engraved roll. Further, the bonded region is applied to the web when it passes through the nip. The bonded region will range between approximately about 27% to about 35% of the area of the nonwoven web and forms a repeating, non-random pattern of circular unbonded regions. Absorbency enhancing or superabsorbent materials, including superabsorbent polymers, powders, fibers and the like may be combined with the cleaning pad 28.
Alternatively, the pad 11 may comprise a laminate of an air-laid composite and a spunbond fiber nonwoven web. The nonwoven web may comprise monocomponent spunbond fibers of polypropylene having a basis weight of approximately 14 grams per square meter. The air-laid composite may comprises from about 85% to about 90% kraft pulp fluff and from about 10% to about 15% bicomponent staple fibers. The bicomponent staple fibers may have a sheath-core configuration; the core component comprising polyethylene terephthalate and the sheath component comprising polyethylene. The air-laid composite has a basis weight between about 200 and about 350 grams per square meter and an absorbency of between about 8 and about 11 grams per gram.
The cleaning pad 11 may also include a portion or side of hydrophilic fibers useful for scrubbing. Additionally, nylon fibers may be used to increase the coefficient of friction when they become wet. Portions of the cleaning pad 11 may be composed of microfibers and ultra-microfibers having a denier per filament (dpf) less than or equal to about 1.0.
As described, the cleaning pad 11 can be formed by any material or material-forming process known, including woven and non-woven materials, polymers, gels, extruded materials, laminates, layered materials which are bonded together integrally and thus form a co-material, fused materials, extruded materials, air laying, etc.
The cleaning pad 11 can alternatively be optimized for providing a cleaning fluid to the surface, such as with microcapsules or encapsulated fluids or agents. The enhanced surface of the cleaning pad 11 can have scrubbing or abrasive qualities. The enhanced surface can also be formed by a mechanical stamping, bonding, pressing, compression, extrusion, sprayed, sputtered, laminated or other surface forming or affecting process. The various alternative cleaning solutions discussed above could be microencapsulated into the cleaning pad such that they are selectively released by some additional stimulus. It is understood that various cleaning solutions microencapsulated into the cleaning pad could be activated by water, another chemical in the fluid reservoir or pressure. The solutions could be dry impregnated. Alternatively, the chemical solutions could be encapsulated in pockets or bubbles on or within the pad 11. The pockets could be designed to burst and release the cleaning solution upon the application of moderate pressure.
As noted above, a wide variety of fibers may be used in the cleaning pad 11 including cotton, wool and other natural fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, polyacrylic, polyesters, rayon and other synthetic fibers, core/sheath fibers, sea-island type fibers, side-by-side fibers and other composite fibers. Synthetic fibers and composite fibers are preferred due to their thermal welding properties. In one preferred embodiment, the tow is a bi-component fiber consisting of a core that has a higher melting point than the sheath. For example, in one embodiment the tow is a bi-component fiber consisting of a polypropylene core and a polyethylene outer surface or sheath. This is particularly preferred, because both materials have superior thermal welding properties. In addition, the fibers used for the cleaning pad 11 may be formed from a crimped material produced by mechanical crimping or thermal crimping.
In one preferred embodiment, the cleaning pad may be a long fiber mat generally referred to as “tow,” which is manufactured from polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, rayon, or similar materials. The thickness of the fibers that constitutes the fiber mat 203 is preferably between 1-18 denier. In addition, the weight of the fiber mat 203 is preferably between 5-30 g/m2 when the thickness of the fibers is about 2 denier.
It is understood that the component parts of the inventive systems 33, 233 described above may be manufactured and sold separately or together in the form of a cleaning system or kit. It should be further understood the present invention contemplates a variety of additional alternative configurations and component parts which may be attached to the telescopic support. A wide variety of alternative interchangeable cleaning implements may be substituted for the primary and secondary supports 216, 218 described above. For example, and in no way limiting, an alternative cleaning implements could include a squeegee for cleaning windows, mirrors or other glass structures, a soft surface cleaner such as a lint roller, a glass cleaner including an indexing refill roll, an insect swatter, a dog brush or other grooming implement, a scrub brush, sponge, mop, paint brush, toilet brush or other cleaning implement etc. Numerous other cleaning implements are also within the scope of the present invention.
Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.
Moreover, as noted throughout the application the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration, so as to provide for a cleaning system that includes a flexible support. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.
It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,991 filed Sep. 30, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/011,404, filed Dec. 14, 2004 now abandoned, and Ser. No. 11/124,527 filed May 6, 2005 the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11240991 | Sep 2005 | US |
| Child | 11384953 | US | |
| Parent | 11011404 | Dec 2004 | US |
| Child | 11240991 | US | |
| Parent | 11124527 | May 2005 | US |
| Child | 11011404 | US |
